UPDATE as of Sep. 2025: I guess we need this petition again. It was first started in 2021. The community chimed in during public meetings and through various social media channels, as well as outreach directly to city council members, the mayor's office, parks and rec, etc. The effort was eventually voted down. Here we go again.

Context: https://communityimpact.com/austin/southwest-austin-dripping-springs/government/2025/08/26/austin-could-reconsider-zilker-cafe-alcohol-sales-next-to-barton-springs/ 

The City of Austin is proposing that the newly renovated cafe (currently serving as a ticket counter for pool extrance) next to Barton Springs Pool would be allowed to serve alcohol as part of their offerings.

As a native Austinite and Barton Springs year-round swimmer, I urge all who love this area to be stewards of the history and culture of Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool. For generations, this space has been an all-ages, family-friendly environment that fosters a sense of well-being, safety, joy, and good health. It is an extraordinarily balanced environment attracting people of all ages, backgrounds, cultures, religions, and more.

With the introduction of alcohol for the first time in the history of this area, the harmonious "vibe" of Barton Springs Pool and Zilker Park is being threatened. 

According to recent guidance from the CDC, “Alcohol should not be consumed during or just before swimming or while supervising children."

Also, according to the CDC, alcohol can reduce body temperature and, through its effect on the central nervous system, can impair swimming ability.

Supporters of this measure say it would be "nice" to have a cold beer or a glass of wine with family or friends and other parks and recreational facilities offer beer and wine. They go on to say that drinking already happens. If you can't beat them, join them. 

Our response to these desires-- which are not community needs-- outlines why the cafe being allowed to introduce alcohol to this area for the first time is not a good idea:

1) The City of Austin should protect the integrity, spirit, and legacy of this area. As a city, we should not continue to normalize drinking around children and in spaces dedicated to all citizens. Drinking has become the culture of Austin appealing to students, 20 and 30-somethings, and even young parents.

2) Zilker Park and Barton Springs IS FOR EVERYONE. There are multiple opportunities-- many within walking distance of Zilker Park-- to be with family and friends where drinking is permitted. Support local businesses.

3) The cafe is steps to the playground, train tracks, and Barton Springs Pool.

4) Park and pool staff already have plenty of public safety situations to deal with, including patrons who are and have been drinking. 

5) Alcohol may “up” the cash for the cafe and provide some alcohol sales revenue to the city. But no cost analysis has yet been done to see how much we'll have to pay for added security and liability.

6) The park (and parking lot) is often filled to capacity. We don’t need to attract more people who want to drink.

7) We need to foster an all-ages environment and protect the culture of Zilker Park and Barton Springs which Austinites have successfully enjoyed and loved for generations without the need for alcohol. There are so few places in Austin where this remains.

8) How will laws and rules be enforced? People are drinking and getting high at Barkin' Springs and the Green Belt all the time, and there is no enforcement there. Do we need another place to monitor people's behavior?

9) The cafe is steps away from Barton Springs Pool-- a sacred haven and respite for people seeking health and well-being, and sometimes struggling with addiction. Why put obstacles up where none have been?

10) Major cities and beloved parks (think Central Park in NYC) prohibit public possession and consumption of alcohol. It's a thing. A longstanding thing. 

Please consider signing this petition to stop the sale of alcohol at the cafe next to Barton Springs Pool.